Sandblasted designs on glass add elegance and beauty to the home or office. Sandblasted glass patterns can be carved or flat etched using custom designed or standard patterns.

Sandblasted Glass Methods

The first, most basic and least expensive method is called a SOLID ETCH/FROST. This technique produces a full opaque effect. It is a single-stage sandblasted option. When we use the term “etched”, we really mean “surface etched”, where we have sandblasted only the surface. The etching does not go deep into the glass and creates a one-dimensional effect.

The second level of sandblasting is SURFACE ETCHING AND SHADING. This is a multi-stage sandblast effect where each and every segment of the design is individually removed and sandblasted, one piece at a time. This is not a solid etch, but areas are “shaded” so the etching will delicately and gradually fade back out to clear glass.

The third level is CARVED AND SHADED. The steps are similar to etching and shading, but the areas are sandblasted longer to create a 3-dimensional, sculpted effect. As with any other type of sculpting, it takes a gifted artist to achieve just the right depth at a consistent and correct level for the perfect result. The carved EDGES within the design image will actually appear whiter and brighter as they pick up and reflect the surrounding light. The image will appear three dimensional, as if it is floating within the glass. All three processes can be done on tempered glass.

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